In a series of notable performances, several promising thoroughbreds have made significant strides in recent races. Running Away, a Kentucky homebred, secured an impressive victory in the $125,000 Busanda Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack. The chestnut filly, trained by Wesley Ward, showcased her front-running prowess over nine furlongs, earning 81 Beyer Speed Figure points and 20 Kentucky Oaks qualifying points. Meanwhile, Sacrosanct, an undefeated New York-bred colt, breezed effortlessly at Belmont Park, setting the stage for future challenges. Additionally, Mega Mil and Full Moon Madness are poised to make their mark in upcoming stakes races, aiming to build on their recent successes.
Running Away's triumph in the Busanda Stakes was nothing short of spectacular. Under the guidance of jockey Sahin Civaci, she led from start to finish, overcoming a slight stumble out of post 6. Despite the early setback, Running Away quickly took command, setting a blistering pace through splits of 22.83 seconds, 48.50, and 1:13.54. Her resilience paid off as she crossed the finish line with a commanding 2¼-length lead over My Sherrona, clocking in at 1:52.23. This performance not only earned her a high Beyer Speed Figure but also confirmed her potential for longer distances. Trainer Wesley Ward expressed pleasant surprise at the filly's speed and stamina, noting that she handled the distance with ease despite limited preparation due to weather conditions in Kentucky.
Running Away's pedigree is equally impressive. She hails from a lineage that includes multiple stakes winners, such as Legalize and Workaholic, and traces back to the 2005 Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly. Ward hinted at future plans, suggesting that Running Away might target the Grade 1 Ashland at Keeneland in April, rather than the Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct. The trainer emphasized the importance of selecting the right prep races to ensure peak performance.
The success of Running Away is part of a broader trend of Ward's achievements with New York-bred horses. Another standout performer is Whatchatalkinabout, a 4-year-old gelding who recently registered a career-best 106 Beyer Speed Figure in an optional-claiming sprint at Belmont Park. After overcoming injuries and a year-long hiatus, the horse returned stronger than ever under Ward's patient training regimen. Owner Dave Reid's unwavering support has been crucial to Whatchatalkinabout's resurgence, allowing the horse ample time to recover and reach its full potential.
Sacrosanct, an undefeated colt trained by Brad Cox, also demonstrated remarkable form with a half-mile breeze in 48.75 seconds at Belmont Park. Assistant trainer Dustin Dugas praised the colt's effortless performance, highlighting his ability to finish strong with minimal effort. Sacrosanct's perfect record includes victories in four outings, culminating in a win at the NYSSS Great White Way in December. With nominations to prestigious races like the Withers Stakes and the Saudi Derby, Sacrosanct is poised to challenge for open-company victories.
Mega Mil, a daughter of Honor A.P., is gearing up for her stakes debut in the $125,000 Ruthless at Aqueduct Racetrack. Trained by John Servis, Mega Mil impressed in her maiden win on December 27, showcasing her front-running abilities. A sharp workout on Friday further boosted confidence in her readiness for the Ruthless. Her pedigree includes notable ancestors like Silverbulletday, adding depth to her racing potential.
Full Moon Madness, a seasoned 5-year-old gelding trained by Michelle Nevin, aims to redeem himself in the Listed Toboggan after a close second-place finish in the Gravesend. Despite being bumped at the start, Full Moon Madness showed grit and determination, finishing just a half-length behind the winner. Nevin's stable also boasts promising newcomer Moonlit Drive, who won her maiden race in impressive fashion. Both horses represent the legacy of By the Moon, a champion mare campaigned by Nevin and Jay Em Ess Stable.
The recent performances underscore the talent and potential within the thoroughbred racing community. As these horses prepare for upcoming challenges, trainers and owners remain optimistic about their prospects. The combination of skillful training, strategic planning, and exceptional pedigrees sets the stage for continued success on the racetrack.